The Indicator from Planet Money · Friday, August 7, 2026
According to Larry Levy, healthcare has become the foremost economic worry for the American public, even eclipsing concerns over gas prices. The rising cost of health insurance premiums, averaging $27,000 annually for a family, makes employer-provided benefits a critical factor for many.
“We pull the American public every month, you know, what, what are your concerns? And amazingly, healthcare has come out as the top economic worry for the American public. I mean, even even higher than gas prices, uh, which frankly surprised us.”
“Healthcare, on the other hand, that's getting eye wateringly expensive. The average premium for a family health insurance policy, uh, is now about $27,000 a year. I mean, that's like having to buy a new car every single year.”